Ariane 5 - Another successful dual-payload launch
| Ariane 5 ECA lift off (Picture: ESA). |
13.06.2008
Ariane 5 ECA launcher lifted off from Europe's Spaceport at Kourou, in French Guiana, on its mission to place two telecommunications satellites into geostationary transfer orbits.
Lift-off of flight V183 took place at 00:05 CEST/Paris on 13 June (22:05 UTC/GMT; 19:05 UTC-3/Kourou [12 June]). The satellites were accurately injected into the correct transfer orbits about 30 minutes later.
The payload comprised Skynet 5C - which will deliver secure communication links for UK government and military users - and Turksat 3A - which will provide telecommunication services and direct TV broadcasting for Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. The payload mass was 8541 kg; the satellite masses totalled 7748 kg, with payload adapters and dispensers making up the additional 797 kg.
This third launch of the year keeps Arianespace and Europe's Spaceport on target for the seven missions planned for 2008.
Read more from ESA´s webpage.
